![The Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Basel From A Local [2024]](https://i0.wp.com/thetravellingtedaldi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/P1120044.jpg?fit=1440%2C809&ssl=1)
By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 27th January 2023 | Updated: 8th January 2024
Basel, Basle, or Bâle, however, you pronounce it this city in northwest Switzerland is often overlooked, with tourists opting to go with with the other big cities of Bern, Zurich, Lucerne or Geneva. Now we may be biased, as it has been our home for the last few years, but you should really stop by.
Famous for its art, architecture, and festivals throughout Switzerland, and with museums galore, (over 40 to be more precise), there are numerous things to do in Basel, and certainly, some impressive things to see, but depending on the season that you visit, there may be some unique events to visit as well, (hello Fasnacht!)
So, what are the best things to do in Basel, and how is best to spend a weekend in Basel? Let us locals tell you what and how.
If you are only visiting Basel for a short amount of time then these are our absolute favourite things to do in Basel, and where we always take visitors:
📍 Visit Basel Rathaus and Martkplatz
📍 Explore the Basel Altstadt with the self-guided walks
📍 Visit Basel Münster and climb to the top
📍 Cross the river by a ferry controlled by the current of the water
📍 Sit or walk along the edge of the Rhine in Kleinbasel
You can actually do all of the above things in one day in Basel. Starting at Marktplatz then exploring the Altstadt, before stopping by the Basel Münster, heading across the river on the ferry behind the Basel Münster at the Basler Pflaz, (its the Münster Fähre “Leu”), before walking along the Kleinbasel bank of the Rhine here.
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide
Things to do in Basel Map
The top sights and best free things to do in Basel
1. Explore the Basel Altstadt with the self-guided walks
The most famous part of Basel, and rightly so, the Altstadt is the place to go to get lost in colourful streets, explore squares and visit some of the more well-known Basel attractions.
There are actually 5 different circular walks that are perfect for you to explore the side streets and quaint alleys, alongside more notable buildings through the Altstadt that you can do self-guided that range from half an hour up to 2 hours long. All the walks start at the corner of Marktplatz and Freiestrasse so you can always walk one and then do another straight after.
2. Visit Basel Münster and climb to the top
Free to enter and to explore the surrounding area and the cloisters, but if you want one of the best views from all of Basel then pay 6 CHF inside to get to climb up into the roof and out onto the towers of the Münster.
It is really something special to see the city from above, especially from one of the most beautiful buildings in the Altstadt. Just be aware that when the bells chime, it will be loud!
3. Relax at Pfalz observation deck
To the rear of Basel Münster is a little observation deck overlooking the Rhine and Kleinbasel, which is a great spot to sit with a donut and coffee, (get these from Mystifry), and watch the world go by.
4. Find the city gates
There are three ancient gates across the city, Spalentor, often described as the most picturesque this gate has a striking main town and two round towers making it an obvious landmark across the city, St Alban Tor is still the gateway to the St Alban quarter of the city set within a beautiful park with its gate and old town walls nearby and St Johanns Tor, now used by the Basel Police force.
5. Visit Basel Rathaus and Martkplatz
This striking red building is the highlight of Marktplatz with ornate frescos and sculptures adorning the inner courtyard as well as the front and roof, all whilst overlooking the daily farmer’s markets that fill Marktplatz to the brim.
6. Explore Barfüsserplatz
This bustling square, often used for seasonal markets as well as weekly flea markets is surrounded by historic buildings housing restaurants, museums, and a rather beautiful concert hall. It is also a stopping point for numerous trams across the city, so very easy to get to and well worth a visit.
7. Wander up Freiestrasse
If you are after a bit of retail therapy then this is the street to visit in Basel for you. With numerous high-end and high-street shops from Bankverein down to Marktplatz, as well as a few beautiful fountains and alleyways leading to the surrounding areas. This is even more wonderful to do in the winter months with the Christmas lights up from one end of the street right down to the other.
8. Walk across Mittlere Brücke
This historic stone bridge, often covered in flags showcasing a new exhibition at one of the many museums, is a wonderful place to wander along, linking the old and new halves of the city and showing off the views up and down the Rhine as you cross. There is also a small chapel in the center which has a rather strange history to do with monks and nuns.
9. Have a drink outside Pauluskirche
Only open during the warmer months, this little pop-up bar is a lovely place to catch up with friends or simply grab a glass of wine or two whilst the sun sets. It is run by the same people who have the pop-up coffee stands in Marktplatz and alongside the Rhine opposite the Münster ferry stop. The church is also well worth a trip inside of as well, the stained-glass windows are beautiful.
10. Explore the Novartis Campus
Open on weekdays for the general public, the Novartis Campus may be the location where some of the most progressive science in Switzerland is done, but it is a wonderful place to wander around too. With beautiful parkland spaces and the newly opened Novartis Pavillon to discover you can while away a few hours just sitting under the shade of the trees.
A short walk from the campus down to the river lies the Three Countries Poet Path as well, which means it is also a great location to get in and out of the river for swimming.
11. Have a picnic at St Johanns-Park
Just a short walk down the riverside path and perfect for the warmer weather, St Johanns-Park on the banks of the River Rhine is another great space to come and relax. You could always do as the locals do on warm summer evenings as get grilling or BBQing. There is also a park café and bistro within St Johanns-Park as well as a rather quaint buvette, (riverside café), that is open during the summer months.
12. Botanical Garden at the Universität Basel
Think of a 1500s Victorian-era garden and greenhouse and I bet you don’t think of Basel. Well, that is precisely what you can find at the University of Basel, with numerous worldly and Switzerland native trees and cacti all set around a wonderful greenhouse just behind the university library off Petersplatz.
It is best visited in the warmer months when the plants and flowers are in bloom but is still a nice quiet place away from the hustle of the surrounding university throughout the year.
13. Explore Merian Gärten & Park im Grünen
Of all the things to do in Basel, this is one of the more unexpected. To the east of the city centre lies these two parks and gardens, Merian Gärten with its 18th-century villa and expansive botanical gardens showcasing herbs, fruit, and rhododendrons to name a few, and Park im Grünen with its large ponds, (which have an impressive fountain all year round apart from when the Christmas tree goes up instead), various mini gardens and play spaces and, often the main attraction, a life-sized Seismosaurus dinosaur! They are both easy to reach from the centre of the city and both well worth a wander through.
14. Relax in Schüttzenmattpark or Kannfeldpark
Basel may be a city, but it has a fair few wonderful open park spaces you can visit and relax in as well. Schüttzenmattpark and Kannfeldpark are two of these places, with fountains and spaces to BBQ, as well as an outdoor café and seasonal pool in Kannenfeldpark. You may even see one of the local storks wandering about around the parks as well!
15. Visit Petersplatz
Another lovely square to visit, that is situated not far from Marktplatz past some rather wonderful timber building-lined streets and the church of St Peter, is Petersplatz. There isn’t much there to see, but it is the perfect place to relax under some of the larger trees you will find this close to the centre of Basel. It is also the home of weekly flea and farmers markets and one of the squares which holds the autumn fair Herbstmesse, (more about that below).
16. Sit or walk along the edge of the Rhine in Kleinbasel
It might not seem like much, but this is one of the nicest things to do in Basel, be it a warm summer’s evening or a cold winter’s day. With lovely views back to the Altstadt and the Münster you can easily while away a few hours just taking in the view.
You can also stop at one of the numerous cafes, bars, or restaurants for a bite to eat or a drink, or bring your own and sit right down along the water’s edge on the bank seating.
17. Walk along Aussichtspunkt Bruderholz
For some of the most incredible views over the city head out to the south and up to the highest point in Basel Stadt at Aussichtspunkt Bruderholz. Not only do you get rather a good view from here but there I also a nice walk you can do in the area and up into the neighbouring Bruderholz district of the city.
18. Visit the Sternwarte St. Margarethen Observatory
If you are ever in the city on a Friday and the sky is clear, be sure to head up behind Margarethenpark on the edge of the city to the Sternwarte St. Margarethen Observatory. It may seem like an odd thing to have in a city, but this observatory is located where it is hidden from any light pollution and to make it even better it is open to the public for free on Friday evenings.
19. Float down the Rhine
In the warmer months do as the locals do and get swimming, well floating, down the Rhine with a Winklefisch. These nifty little waterproof bags shaped like fish are perfect flotation devices, (which you must have to swim in the river), as well as bags and can be bought at the Tourism Office or in certain Apotheke.
20. Cross the river by a ferry controlled by the current of the water
There are four ferries that cross the River Rhine between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel, all of which use no form of powered motion other than that of the current of the river itself. Connected to each bank by a long wire cable these little ferries aren’t just cleverly designed but a wonderful way to see the city from a different angle.
21. Visit the Tinguely Fountain
Located in the centre of the city outside the Theater near to Barfüsserplatz this wonderful fountain by famous Swiss artist Jean Tinguely is a little different from your average fountain. Think as Tinguely did with kinetic art and sculpture instead!
If you visit during the winter months, it also often gets frozen up with some incredible ice displays as the temperature drops.
22. Explore the various museums
Basel is a city known for its museums, from art to culture, natural history to toys, and everything in between. Some even have free entry during certain hours or on certain days. If you are visiting when they are not free, then know that when staying in the city you are given a BaselCard from your accommodation provider which gives you free or at least a 50% discount on entry.
23. Drink from one of the fountains
Most of the fountains in Basel, and in fact, in Switzerland, are fresh spring water and safe to drink from, and really rather refreshing. It can take a bit of getting used to, drinking out of a sideways fountain, but they are free to use and perfect to fill up your water bottle on the go.
24. Explore the picturesque lanes of the Altstadt
The Altstadt is one area of Basel that you simply have to explore, and the small lanes and quaint alleyways are no exception. Imbergässlein, Spalenberg, Heuberg, Gemsburg, Schlüsselberg or Rheinsprung. To be honest, there isn’t really a lane in the Altstadt that isn’t stunningly beautiful to walk along.
25. Find the Lällekönig
There has long been a rivalry between the north and south of the river, (it’s not a big thing just something of legend), therefore there was a time when it was decided that the King in Grossbasel had decided to stick out his tongue at Kleinbasel across the river. To this day you can find at least 2 Lällekönig close to Mittlere Brücke at Schifflände adorning one of the nearby shops. One is even mechanical which makes for an interesting feature!
26. Learn the history of the Basilisk
Adorning the water fountains as well as other landmarks across the city the Basilisk is another such tale from Basel’s history. It was once said that a rooster laid an egg that was hatched by a toad from one of the city fountains, thus creating a basilisk, which the city lived in fear of, but a small girl defeated it with the reflection of her water bucket. Now the basilisk is loved by all and put on water fountains as a symbol to remember that time in history.
27. Find the Dreiländereck
The three countries of Switzerland, France, and Germany all converge at this point, marked by a tall sculpture, and it is really easy to get to from the centre. It is also the location of the Basel Grand Tour of Switzerland sign, part of an impressive country-wide road trip you should do if you ever want to see what each part of Switzerland is all about.
28. Walk the Rehberger-Weg
A bit further out of the city, and crossing into Germany, you can also walk between two art museums Fondation Beyeler and the Vitra Museum through the vineyards that overlook Basel. It is a lovely walk and very easily accessible from Basel so if you have the time then this is one of the more wonderful things to do in Basel.
29. Take full advantage of all the food on offer
Basel may not seem like the place to go if you like your food, but it is full to the brim with such a variety of cuisines, local and traditional, European, Asian, and vegan you would be hard done by to not find something you will like. We recommend some of the best places to go below, but even if you only have a day in Basel, be sure to make your way to Mystifry for the best donuts you will ever try.
Things to do in Basel in the spring
Spring in Basel is when the first blooms of the year begin to arrive, and the warmer weather starts to come through. The greyer colder days of the winter are quite literally scared away during Fasnacht, and the city begins to come to life once more.
30. Fasnacht, (Carnival in Basel) February or March, depending on when Easter falls
Fasnacht is memorable, to say the least. Starting on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at the only slightly early time of 4 am, (Morgestraich) and lasting until 4 am on Thursday morning, (Ändstraich), Fasnacht is enjoyed by the young and old, with the city transformed for these three days into a sea of lanterns, music, and costumes.
Over 11,000 pipers and drummers dressed up in traditional costumes and face masks parade the city in their various ‘cliques’ playing music with drums and piccolos, throughout the hours of the day and night, that can most definitely be heard before they are seen.
With traditional cortège street parades that take place on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, to the Guggenmusik bands, (brass bands) performing on Tuesday night and everything in between, we’re talking hand-painted lanterns and floats and a rather a lot of confetti, making Fasnacht a historic event you are sure to revel in. Basel Carnival is now also on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list due to its history, (dating back to the early 1800s), and its tradition.
31. Open House Basel in May
For three days each May, Open House Basel literally opens up 100 buildings across the city, that the public doesn’t always have access to day to day and invites you to come and explore the space for yourself. Each building has its own opening time but can be visited free of charge, so it is the perfect way to experience some of Basel’s architecture, well-known or otherwise.
Things to do in Basel in the summer
Basel in the summer is one of the best times of year to visit, with festivals and events left, right, and center, you will not be short of things to do in Basel. Everything from the world-renowned Art Basel to floating music festivals, a giant open-air cinema to bagpipes filling the streets in parades, (yes you read that right). And that is all before the Swiss celebrate their National Day with fireworks and food.
32. Art Basel in June
Over 250 galleries from around the world showcase art and sculpture throughout Basel for a few days each June. The main event and gallery showcases are held in Messe Basel in Kleinbasel, north of the river, but also has numerous outdoor artworks installed in Grossbasel south of the river, which are free to walk around and explore. Tickets often sell out fast for Art Basel, with people visiting from all over the world, so get in there fast if you want to visit.
33. Basel Tattoo in July
The Basel Tattoo is something quite unexpected to see in Basel. Second, only in scale to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, this bagpipe-wielding, massed pipes and drums-playing group of musicians from across the globe takes to the streets of Basel, performing at the dedicated Tattoo arena at Kaserne as well as during a large parade through the city centre.
Tickets aren’t cheap if you want to witness the event from within Kaserne, and often sell out fairly quickly, but head to Tattoo Street just outside the arena for food and drink stalls galore if you aren’t lucky enough to get in and you still get to feel the atmosphere of the event.
To be honest, just witnessing the parade through Basel city centre is incredible!
34. Swiss National Day 31st of July to the 1st of August
Across Switzerland, the Swiss National Day is celebrated with massive fireworks displays and hundreds of food and drinks stalls. In Basel, the fireworks are set off from the River Rhine, with stretches along both the Kleinbasel and Grossbasel banks of the river full to the brim with stalls ready to help celebrate the festivities. Head to the Kleinbasel bank of the river to get the best views of the fireworks at 11 pm.
35. Floss Festival in August
A music festival floating on the Rhine with outdoor seating all along the banks of the river in Kleinbasel, looking towards Basel’s famous Münster, what more could you want! For two weeks in August, this wonderful river festival is set for the perfect late-summer, warm night, open-air music festival, and what’s more, it is free!
36. Allianz Open Air Cinema in August
Throughout the month of August, a giant cinema screen is set up on Münsterplatz in the shadow of Basler Münster ready to play some of the latest blockbuster films as well as local classics. With food and drink stands, as well as ponchos provided (if it does decide to rain!), this is one festival to remember. Again, this one sells out fast, so get your hands on tickets for your favourite film as soon as the listings come out.
Things to do in Basel in the autumn
Autumn is the time of year when the last of the summer warmth is just hanging on and the leaves start to turn on the trees. There may even still be the odd particularly warm day, perfect for swimming down the Rhine or dining out overlooking the river. But Basel in autumn is also a great time of year to experience a tradition that dates back over 550 years or just sit outside a café enjoying the last of the sun.
37. Baloise Session in October / November
From mid-October through to early November the Baloise Sessions is an indoor music festival with candlelit tables perfect for dancing and singing the night away to the various concerts that are held each evening. With music ranging from rock to pop, jazz to blues, there is something for everyone.
38. Herbstmesse Basel Autumn Fair in October / November
For two weeks in October and November, the city’s seven main squares are transformed into the historic Herbstmesse, with traditional fairground rides, including one of the largest Ferris Wheels in Europe at Münsterplatz, and food and drink stands brimming with warming Swiss specialities.
Dating from 1471, Basel has put on this autumn fair for literally centuries, so you know it’s going to be good and has to be one of the best things to do in Basel. Most of the main fun fair rides are held in the squares in Kleinbasel, or at Barfüsserplatz but Petersplatz is the place to go for local delicacies.
Be sure to try these foods at Herbstmesse, they are delicious beyond words:
📍 Chäsbängel from Wirtschaft Zihlmann – This bread roll is hollowed out to make way for the fondue cheese that is poured into it. Yes, it is messy, (the cheese-covered ground around the stand tells you that), but boy is it delicious! Just be prepared to queue as the locals love this as much as the tourists – we cant go a year without having at least one!
📍 Currywurst – Local sausage covered in a curry sauce with extra curry powder on the top, to keep you warmed up and the cold at bay.
📍 Gebrannte Mandeln – Candied almonds that are spun in sugar and cinnamon, making a moreish snack that you will have to go back and get more of.
📍 Apfelchüchechli – Quite possibly the best use of apples going, deep-fried apple fritters coated with cinnamon sugar or vanilla sauce. Delicious!
Things to do in Basel in the winter
Basel in winter is possibly one of the best seasons to visit the city, with Christmas markets in two of the main squares and an advent food mile in Kleinbasel as well. It can also be one of the busiest times to visit as the markets are a massive draw for tourists worldwide but don’t let that stop you, there are plenty of other things to do in Basel in the winter. Hello, fondue season and frozen fountains!
39. Vogel Gryff in January
Celebrated in early January, Kleinbasel brings the new year in with a literal bang with the Vogel Gryff, (griffin), Wild Maa, (green man), and the Leu, (lion), dancing their way down the Rhine and through the streets. This event celebrates Kleinbasels’ three honourable societies with music and jesters alongside the parade of dancers, starting at 10:30 am and finishing 12 hours later at one of Kleinbasels’ traditional taverns.
40. Christmas Markets in November / December
Often named the Best European Christmas Markets, Basler Weihnacht lights the city up with warmth and a truly magical Christmas atmosphere, which is often topped off with a dusting of snow.
Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are the center stages for the Christmas Markets, with around 150 wonderfully decorated wooden chalets to be discovered between them both, serving food and drink as well as selling local gifts. Adväntsgass im Glaibasel, or the Advent Mile, is a little different from the other Christmas Markets, as it is just one street lined with food and drink stalls along Rheingasse in Kleinbasel, but this is where you find some real foody treats.
Make sure you try these food / drinks at the Basel Christmas Markets, they are sure to warm you up on a chilly winter’s night:
📍 Seasonal winter biscuits – We aren’t talking about any regular biscuits here we mean the flaked almond ones, the hazelnut and butter ones, and the cinnamon ones covered in icing that come in stars, hearts, and flowers. You can find them in all the markets piled high and smelling delicious as well as in local shops such as Co-op or Migros.
📍 Heisser brunolino – A donut with a ball of ice cream in the middle, that is gently toasted so you have a crispy and warm outside but a cold and flavour-filled center. Find this mouth-watering treat in Adväntgass only!
📍 Glühwein – In Switzerland Glühwein comes in two varieties, rot (red) and weisser (white), both are equally delicious, and both will warm you up. They come in a small ceramic mug that is often a bit of a collector’s item during the Christmas markets too, with differing mugs offered at different stands.
📍 Heisser Jamie – Hot whisky / cider with a dash of ginger syrup, like drinking an apple pie! Again we have only ever found this being sold in Adväntgass.
📍 Heisser Hugo – If Gluhwein isn’t your thing, then try this hot white wine, elderflower liquor, and mint drink instead, it is fruity but warming all at once.
📍 Fondue – Last but not least you have to have a cheese fondue whilst visiting the Christmas Markets. Down Adväntgass they have a mini ski resort set up with fondue available for eating in cable cars, whereas the markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz have dedicated wooden chalets for you to eat cheese until you have to roll your way home.
If they are all too busy for your liking then many of the local restaurants along the river and near Marktplatz also have outdoor fondue tents and chalets put up, so you don’t have to miss out on the cheesy goodness. Brasseries Spitz often has a dedicated Fondue am Fluss menu just for this.
As well as the Christmas Markets a few other festive goodies await you amongst the Christmas lights and decorated trees that fill the city. The Harley Niggi-Näggi, where the Harley Davidson community in Basel all comes together, and numerous Santa Clauses ride their festively decorated motorcycles through the city centre raising money for a local charity.
The Basel Weihnachts-Drämmli (Christmas Tram), where St Nicolas takes over one of the trams and not only decorates it head to toe but drives it around the city giving lifts to those lucky enough to get a ticket to ride on board, (these tickets literally sell out in minutes, so you have to be super-fast to get hold of one).
Once the Christmas Markets have gone and the city turns back to a slightly less magical wonderland, the winter is the best time to visit a museum or gallery. With around 40 museums across the city to choose from you will be spoilt with where to visit first. We can highly recommend the Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler, (a little further out from the main city centre), Museum Tinguely, Museum der Kulturen, and the Naturhistorisches Museum.
Where to stay in Basel
There are a wide range of accommodation options in Basel, from the local hostel or B&B to the hotel overlooking the Rhine or Marktplatz, right up to one of the oldest city hotels in Europe, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. If you want to save a bit of money, and don’t mind hopping on a tram every day to get into the center, then we would suggest you opt to stay a little out of the center, the B&B Hotel Basel is one great location or another is Hyve, which is slightly more central. Check out the map below for more options to suit your dates.
Where to eat in Basel
Basel is full of a wide range of places to eat, both traditional Swiss and cuisine from all across the world so you will not go hungry on a trip to Basel! Below is a map of just a few of the places we have visited, (and loved), in Basel but if you have a group of you or someone who really doesn’t know what they want to eat, then you can’t go wrong with stopping by Markthalle. This is the place to go if you fancy different cuisines all under one roof, with over 20 different vendors offering various food and drink at reasonable prices, plus it is very centrally located near the main train station.
Be sure to add to your list of things to do in Basel, that you need to try the locally made spiced biscuits that originate from the city, the Basler Läckerli. Founded in 1753 making it Switzerland’s oldest biscuit bakery, these little biscuits are particularly good from the Läckerli-Huus which has shops across the city and in the main train station, or from a less well-known but equally as delicious place called Jakob’s Basler Leckerly in Spalenburg.
📍 Great for coffee – UM Coffee, they have a few locations across the city, the main coffee house and bakery is between Barfüsserplatz and Marktplatz, with the UM Kaffee-Mobil’s located in Marktplatz and alongside the Rhine in Kleinbasel, (opposite the Münster). Perfect for a stop by after crossing the river on the Leu ferry.
📍 Great for breakfast – XOXO Café Bar on Barfüsserplatz is a great place to start the day with a fruity breakfast bowl or fresh pastries.
📍 Great for local cuisine – Gifthüttli or Zum alten Stöckli. Gifthüttli is one of Basel’s most well-known and traditional restaurants, serving cuisine local to the area in the setting of the historic old town, whilst Zum alten Stöckli is more of a local haunt on the corner of Barfüsserplatz, but again serving some of the most delicious local dishes. Try a Kaseschnitte if you get the chance, they are incredible!
📍 Great for lunch – La Manufacture, with one in Gundeli specialising in burgers and brunch, Elisabethan for bagels and tartines, and another in Klara specialising in burgers, all are incredible.
📍 Great for those who are undecided – Martkhalle, is an incredible indoor food market serving cuisines from across the world, with a good bar or two in there as well. They often hold markets and music events in here too.
📍 Great for dinner – Brasserie Café Spitz is the perfect place for dinner with a view. Overlooking the Rhine and with a seasonal menu, that includes fondue in the winter months, it is really lovely to visit and sit and watch the world go by with a drink in hand.
📍 Great for a sweet treat – Mystifry, Switzerland’s first vegan donut shop, and our regular haunt every month when they release the new monthly flavours. If you think you’ve had good donuts, wait until you try some of these. Be sure to get there early though as they often sell out.
📍 Great to grab on the go – Most Migros and Co-op’s in the center also have a takeout option, which can help save costs a little.
📍 Great if you fancy some Asian cuisine – Now this may be a surprise to some, but Basel has a fantastic Asian food scene. We regularly hit up Rice To Meet You in Gundeli, Thai Square, (various locations), Boo, (again various locations), and Miake Izakaya in Gundeli to get our Thai or Japanese food fix.
📍 Great if you need a hangover cure – Don’t judge us here, (we are locals and there is an Irish pub just across the road!), but if you are in need of a kebab after a night of enjoying some drinks then head to Steinegrill. The kebabs are cheap and tasty, and the shop is located right next to the tram for lines 3, 6, 10, 14, 16 and 17 so you can get home easily.
The Best Things to do in Basel FAQs
Where is Basel?
Basel is located in northwest Switzerland close to the border with both France and Germany. It is located in central Europe, but not within the EU, which is worth bearing in mind if you plan to use your phone abroad as some plans charge will charge you extra.
Due to its location, and although Swiss German is the official language of Basel, both French and German are widely spoken, (sometimes even Italian), so it is always handy to have a phrasebook like the ones you can find on here to help you out, if not, you can get by in English in most places too.
Is Basel Switzerland worth visiting?
100% yes! Basel can often be overlooked for the other Swiss cities such as Zurich, Bern, and Geneva but it is most definitely somewhere to have on your list of places worth visiting. With its medieval old town, countless museums and galleries as well as the easy access to the neighbouring countries, not only is Basel great to visit itself but also great as a base to visit other locations in Switzerland, France and Germany too.
How to get to Basel
Basel is very easy to get to with a local airport with flight links across Europe and a main train station that connects Basel with the rest of Switzerland as well as neighbouring France and Germany. From EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, it is a 20-minute bus to the center of Basel, which drops you outside the main train station Basel Bahnhof, which then has further links across the city with the full tram network.
Just make sure you go out of the right door when you leave the airport, as it is a dual-operated airport by both Switzerland and France, (one of the only in the world), you might end up in Germany or France instead of Switzerland!
How to get around Basel
As well as being easy to get to, Basel is also very easy to get around by public transport and on foot. The city is only small, (in comparison to other cities in Switzerland), so much so that you can easily walk from the main train station to the River Rhine at the center of the city in 20 minutes. But if you would rather save your feet, you can easily hop on board one of the many trams or buses that serve the city instead.
You can buy your bus or tram tickets from within the main train station or at most of the stops around the city, but by far the best way to purchase your ticket is to download the TNW Tickets app which you can then pick and choose which ticket to buy and keep it on your phone, rather than potentially losing a paper ticket whilst you are out and about.
We would also recommend purchasing a day pass rather than lots of single trips as it is more cost-effective, and you don’t need to remember to buy a new ticket each time you hop on public transport then as well.
There is one other method of getting around Basel, well from one side of the River Rhine to the other, and that is by one of the four river ferries, St Alban ferry Wild Maa, the Münster ferry Leu, Klingental ferry Vogel Gryff, (this one is made over into a Christmas ferry during Basler Weihnacht) and St Johann ferry Ueli, (which is fully accessible for wheelchair users).
These nifty little ferries connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel via a long wire cable and use the current of the Rhine to shimmy their way across the river and back. At 2 CHF per adult, and 1 CHF per child not only is it cheap, but you get to see the city from a different view as well.
How much do things cost in Basel?
Basel, well Switzerland in general, can be a little expensive but don’t let that stop you from experiencing all that Basel has to offer. Plus, when staying in any accommodation in Basel you not only get a free public transport pass in the city for your entire stay but included in that BaselCard you also get up to 50% discount on various attractions, such as guided tours, cruises on the river and entry into the 40 museums that Basel has to offer.
Average prices for a regular cappuccino are 5.50 CHF, a pint of beer 4.00 to 9.00 CHF (depending on the beer), and a bottle of water 4.10 CHF.
What is the best time of year to visit Basel?
If you want to see Basel in its full celebratory glory, and enjoy some of the best things to do in Basel, then the best time of year to visit is either during Fasnacht, (the Carnival of Basel), which generally falls at the end of February / beginning of March, during Herbstmesse when the autumn markets fill the squares throughout the city selling local produce and gifts or during the Christmas Markets when the city comes to life with magical lights and hot drinks to keep the cold at bay.
That being said, these times are also often the busiest times to visit Basel. If you want a more leisurely time of year to visit then the late spring or summer months are lovely, they can get a little warm though so take full advantage of the River Rhine and do as the locals do, bobbing along for a float down the river.
What is the weather like in Basel?
The weather in Basel is fairly similar to the rest of Switzerland, although it does get less snow than further south around the Alps. It can be swelteringly hot in the summer but never peak above -5 in the winter, with all the warm, wet, and windy weather in between. That being said, Basel is a wonderful city to visit in any weather due to the sheer number of museums and galleries that you can visit if you do happen to have particularly rubbish weather.
Is one day in Basel enough? / How many days do you need in Basel?
One day in Basel is just enough time to scratch the surface of this wonderful city but to get a real feel for Basel you want to spend at least 4 days exploring the city. With one day in Basel, you can probably hit up the most famous sights, such as the Münster, Marktplatz, and the Rathaus, wander a few of the side streets in the Altstadt and maybe along the river in Kleinbasel, but you would really be doing this city a disservice and you won’t get to spend much of the day doing as the Swiss do, with a drink in hand watching the world go by along the river’s edge.
What to do in Basel for a weekend
If you want to spend a weekend in Basel, your best bet is to set aside half a day to explore certain areas of the city, so you really get the most out of a couple of days. For example, half a day exploring the Altstadt, half a day just north of the river in Kleinbasel, half a day visiting a museum, or two and half a day wandering around Merian Gärten and Park im Grünen. Then you can get the best of all worlds and see the city from all its perspectives.
What is Basel Switzerland known for?
Basel is famous for being considered the cultural capital of Switzerland, with countless ex-pats living and working in the city alongside their Swiss counterparts. Basel is also rather well known for its vast collection of museums and art galleries with the Art Basel happening as a showcase to this. Locally it is also famous for being the home of the Basler Läckerli and Fasnacht.
Is Basel safe to visit?
Basel is a very safe city to visit, but as with other European cities just be aware of pickpockets at the more tourist-based destinations. Crime is rare in Basel, but it’s best to just be safe than sorry.
Is Basel a good city break?
Yes, Basel is a fantastic place for a city break not only due to it being a wonderful city to explore but also because it has great connections into the rest of Switzerland as well as France and Germany, so you could make it a multi-city city break very easily. It is also full of various things to keep you busy whilst visiting the city, such as self-guided walking tours, museums to visit, and plenty of sights to see.
Best tours in Basel
If you would rather take the planning of the trip out of your hands, then check out some of these tours in Basel instead:
Best tours from Basel
Due to the location of Basel, it is also a great place to take tours into the neighbouring countries of France and Germany, or even further down into Switzerland. Check out these tours for some ideas:
Conclusion: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to do in Basel
There are numerous things to do in Basel, from visiting the local architectural sights to wandering through a local park or even stumbling upon a festival-filled square, and with seasonal things to do as well, such as experiencing Fasnacht in the spring, swimming in the Rhine in the summer or visiting the Christmas Markets in the winter, Basel is really a fantastic and often overlooked, city to visit year-round.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.